








































































































































ANIMAL BOOKS 


W ritten or Edited by 


HARRY WHITTIER FREES 


The Premier Photographer of 
Pet Animals 


Quarto. Cloth. Each profusely illustrated from photographs 
of costumed pet animals taken in the 
studio of Mr. Frees. 

Tfie Little Folks of Animal Land. $2.00. 

The Animal Mother Goose. $2.00. 

Animal Land on the Air. $2.50. 

{Ready Sept. i6, 1929) 


LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., Boston 


SEP 18 I9?9 


J 










/ 


Copyright, 1929, by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co. 


All Rights Reserved 


Animal Land on the Air 



PRINTED IN U. S. A, 

©CIA 12460 



















T 


PREFACE 

HE LITTLE FOLKS OF ANIMAL LAND’’ made so 
many friends when introduced in a book, with stories of 
their doings combined with photographic illustrations, that 
their more up-to-date experiences in motoring, aviation, and 
with the radio will, it is hoped, be found of equal interest. 
Sixty situations involving the photographing of healthy, active. 


[ 7 ] 




contented young animals, dressed in appropriate costumes, 
serve to illustrate the account of what happened to the little 
people of that unique imaginative region, ^ ^Animal Land,’^ 
distinctly a part of the world, and having all the activities and 
characteristics of present-day human society. 

The author trusts that the affairs of these dwellers in the 
busy village, ^^Catnip Corners,” will be found interesting, but 
of course the feature which sets his books apart from all other 
juveniles except those from the same source is the nature of the 
pictures, which represent an almost inconceivable amount of 
patience, care, and kind attention, as well as a very large 
number of spoiled films. Speed is essential in securing these 
pictures, but very often it is impossible to be quick enough. 
Young animals cannot hold a pose any better than human 
babies, and the situation is complicated when they are 
called upon to be precocious in situations naturally foreign 
to them. 

It is happily no longer necessary to take time to refute earlier 
charges that such pictures are made by using stuffed animals, 
or by stupefaction, or even, as has been fantastically suggested, 
by hypnotism. Their expression is the best answer to all such 
surmises. But there may still be lovers of animals who are 
disturbed by the thought that unnatural means, savoring of 

[ 8 ] 


cruelty, may be employed. Nothing could be farther from the 
truth. Animals may be ruled by fear in certain performances, 
but never can this result in a pleasing picture. Only by 
unremitting kindness and constant sympathetic study of 
their tastes and instincts can they be made to enter into a 
story as the subjects for its illustration. 

Rabbits are the easiest to photograph in costume, but in¬ 
capable of taking many “human^’ parts. Puppies are tractable 
when rightly understood, but the kitten is the most versatile 
animal actor, and possesses the greatest variety of appeal. The 
pig is the most difficult to deal with, but effective on occasion. 
The best period of young animal models is a short one, being 
when they are from six to ten weeks of age. An interesting 
fact is that a kitten’s attention is best held through the 
sense of sight, while that of a puppy is most influenced by 
sound, and equally readily distracted by it. The native 
reasoning powers of young animals are, moreover, quite as 
pronounced as those of the human species, and relatively far 
surer. 

Let me repeat: It is impossible to mistreat an animal in any 
way and secure such pictures as you will see in this book, and 
no one capable of so doing would stand the slightest chance of 
success. 


[ 9 ] 


That as much pleasure may be taken in reading of the little 
residents of Animal Land and seeing how they look in the 
scenes in which they take part as there has been in the prepara¬ 
tion for again putting them in a book is the wish of 

HARRY WHITTIER FREES. 

Audubon, Penna. 



[10] 










CONTENTS 

Page 

^‘This is Station NIP, Catnip Corners’’ Frontispiece 


I. 

JUNE IN ANIMAL LAND . 

Bargain Day 

18 

11 . 

MRS. STRIPES WENT SHOPPING . 

A Sweet Young Matron 

. 22 

III. 

NEWS OF A PURCHASE 

The Head of the Bufkins Household 

. 26 

IV. 

LOOKING BACKWARD .... 

A Red Cross Worker 

. 30 

V. 

AT CATTSBURGH. 

Rookies 

. 34 


[11] 





CONTENTS 


Page 


VI. 

“SO GOES MONDAY” .... 
Brissle, the Washerwoman 

00 

CO 

• 

VIL 

MEWSIE IN THE KITCHEN . . 

A Born Cook 

. 42 

VIII. 

LUNCH-TIME. 

Prowler and Purra 

. 46 

IX. 

TRAFFIC-LIGHTS. 

Traffic Officer Pause 

. 50 

X. 

AT THE CATNIP FACTORY 

Sanitary Uniforms 

. 54 

XL 

INTRODUCING THE JOLLIPUPS 

A Birthday Cake 

. 58 

XII. 

THE DOLL HOSPITAL .... 
Mewsie Brings a Patient 

. 62 

XIII. 

IN THE OPERATING ROOM 

Painless Surgery 

. 66 

XIV. 

RUDDY AND BUDDY .... 

The Musical Twins 

. 70 

XV. 

A RADIO PROGRAM .... 

“There’s Music in the Air” 

. 74 

XVI. 

AN INTRUDER. 

Just Frightening Him 

[ 12] 

. 78 



CONTENTS 


XVII. 

XVIII. 

XIX. 

XX. 

XXL 

XXII. 

XXIII. 

XXIV. 

XXV. 

XXVI. 

XXVII. 


AN AMUSING INTERLUDE . 

Panic 

A WONDERFUL IDEA . . . . 

The Night Was Still 

STATION N I P, CATNIP CORNERS . 
Home Talent 

MME. PRETTI-PUPPI . . . . 

Broadcasting an Appeal 

THE ANNUAL OUTING 
The Band Led the Parade 

REFRESHMENTS. 

Purra and Prowler at Their Booth 

A KIND HEART. 

Pretti-Puppi as a Hot-Dog Vender 

MOVING PICTURES . . . . 

Purritt Long, Camera-man 

PURRITT MEETS MEWSIE . 

A Fortune in Her Face 

BASEBALL . 

Instructions 

THIRSTY THROATS. 

Prohibition Beverages 

[13] 


Page 

82 

86 

90 

94 

98 

102 

106 

110 

114 

118 

122 



CONTENTS 


Page 


XXVIII. 

COMPANY ARRIVES .... 

Mother and Child 

. 126 

XXIX. 

A LULLABY. 

Bedtime 

. 130 

XXX. 

A FUTURE FOR MEWSIE . 

The Try-Out 

. 134 

XXXI. 

A BLOW-OUT. 

^^My Kingdom for a Horse!’’ 

. 138 

XXXII. 

A FISHING TRIP. 

Something on the Line 

. 142 

XXXIII. 

AT THE TEA-ROOM .... 

Service for Two 

. 146 

XXXIV. 

A HAPPY INCIDENT .... 
Lucky Jack Keennose 

. 150 

XXXV. 

AN INTERVIEW WITH MEWSIE 

In Her Sedan-Chair 

. 154 

XXXVI. 

COOKING BY RADIO .... 
Up-to-Date 

. 158 

XXXVII. 

A^ THRILLING MESSAGE 

A Voice from the Past 

. 162 

XXXVIII. 

A PERILOUS JOURNEY .... 

London to New York 

. 166 


CONTENTS 


XXXIX. 

XL. 

XLI. 

XLII. 

XLIII. 

XLIV. 

XLV. 

XLVI. 

XLVII. 

XLVIII. 

XLIX. 


THE RESCUE. 

The Sea Was Like Glass 

IN THE PUBLIC EYE . 

A Gift from a Royal Admirer 

A WEARY TRAVELER . 

At the Crossroads 

BACK TO NATURE 
A Wanderer 

IN HOLLYWOOD WITH MEWSIE 
Real Tears 

BROADCASTING FROM CATNIP 
CORNERS .... 

The Three Brothers Bassbark 

CAUTION. 

The Section Hands 

INVESTIGATION .... 
Sheriff Spy Katz 

AN ARREST. 

Cause for Suspicion 

THE ARM OF THE LAW 
Against the Signal 

NEWS TRAVELS FAST . 

Correct Time 


Page 

170 

174 

178 

182 

186 

190 

194 

198 

202 

206 

210 


[ 15 ] 


CONTENTS 


L. PROWLER IS NOTIFIED 
Old Friends 

LI. SCHOOL IS DISMISSED . 

A Holiday 

LII. WAITING FOR THE HERO . 

A Reserved Seat 

LIII. PREPARATIONS FOR THE HOME¬ 
COMING . 

His Favorite Jam 

LIV. HOME AT LAST .... 

A Private Citizen 

LV. WITH THE JOLLIPUPS . 

A Cheering Cup 

LVI. A PUBLIC RECEPTION 
Musicians for the Evening 

LVII. HIS EXPERIENCES 
A Flag of Truce 

LVIII. A SPECIAL HONOR 

Archingback Stripes Post, No. 13 

LIX. A BRIDE AND GROOM 
Mr. and Mrs. Purritt Long 

LX. ANIMAL LAND SIGNS OFF . 

^‘Good Night, Ladies and Gentlemen” 


Page 

214 

218 

222 

226 

230 

234 

238 

242 

246 

250 

254 


I 

JUNE IN ANIMAL LAND 
Bargain Day 


I 


JUNE IN ANIMAL LAND 


J UNE is a month of wonderful days in Animal Land, and 

the sidewalks were still sparkling with dew when they 
began to fill with shoppers, out to take early advantage of 

Monday morning sales. 

Smiling merchants gladly gave their customers the benefits 
of a day’s reduction, for the Catnip Factory was working over¬ 
time, while new accounts were opened every day, and old ones 
settled cheerfully. 

This thriving industry had a modest beginning on Pussyway 
Lane, in a garden patch at the rear of a cottage owned by 
Mrs. Thomas Bufkins, who saw that dull times following the 
war must be brightened by some new industry that would 
bring money in, and keep young folks from going out. 

She never dreamed of being so successful that she would be 
known as a public benefactor. But the population increased 
until the suburb of Dogville became the city of Catnip Corners, 
and boasted a mayor’s rule. 

Proudly bearing the results of a morning’s thrift, a proces¬ 
sion of weary homemakers, with hats somewhat awry, tried to 
hurry when they heard the noonday whistle on the factory 
blowing. 


[ 18 ] 


BARGAIN DAY, 
























II 


MRS. STRIPES WENT SHOPPING 
A Sweet Young Matron 


II 


MRS. STRIPES WENT SHOPPING 
MONO the returning shoppers was one who walked 



r\ alone, and turned the corner into Pussyway Lane. 

^^Poor Lily,’^ sighed one of the neighbors behind her. 
^What a beautiful bride she made!^^ 

^^Who is she?^^ whispered a newcomer with interest. 

^^She is Mrs. Bufkins’ oldest daughter,” explained the lady, 
with the pride of long residence. ^^And less than two years 
after Lily’s marriage to the dashing Archingback Stripes, he 
was one of the first to respond to his country’s call to arms. 
And after Archie was reported missing in action,” she ended, 
^Vhy, Lily and her baby came home to live with Grandma 
Bufkins.” 

Mrs. Stripes was glad to reach the friendly doorway of her 
mother’s cottage. She entered in silence and stepped softly 
into her own room to glance in the mirror. There had been 
tears in her eyes, and it was one of her rules that no trace of 
her sorrow must be allowed to cast any gloom over the Bufkins 
household. 

So she managed a smile, and called gaily, Mother, I’ve 
made the most surprising purchase!” 


[ 22 ] 



A SWEET YOUNG MATRON 









Ill 

NEWS OF A PURCHASE 
The Head of the Bufkins Household 


Ill 


NEWS OF A PURCHASE 

I N her own special chair in the living-room, Mrs. Bufkins 
was reading her favorite morning paper, but she looked 
up eagerly as Lily came in to talk over the forenoon’s shop¬ 
ping. 

^^And what did you buy, my dear, a white elephant?’^ 
she asked, smiling fondly. 

“I hope not,’’ laughed Lily, ^^they were offering wonderful 
terms on a radio”— 

^^And you thought this house was hardly up-to-date without 
one,” finished her mother. ^^Well, I think so, too. When will 
your purchase be delivered?” 

Lily said the machine would be installed that afternoon, 
and she had been thinking that they might have a few friends 
in during the evening. 

^^A splendid idea,” approved Mrs. Bufkins. ^^If they should 
become interested enough to want radios in their own homes, 
I have no doubt the store would allow us a discount.” 

^^Oh, mother dear!” protested Lily, looking troubled. 

^^Did I ever fail to use tact?” asked Mrs. Bufkins. 

And Lily had to answer that she knew their happy home 
was the result of years of a mother’s clever efforts to provide 

her family with every comfort. 

[ 26 ] 




THE HEAD OF THE BUFKINS HOUSEHOLD 











IV 

LOOKING BACKWARD 
A Red Cross Worker 



IV 


LOOKING BACKWARD 

M rs. BUFKINS usually dressed before lunch, as it was 
her custom, in the afternoon, to make a daily visit of 
inspection at the Catnip Factory. 

She never liked to be idle, and having a few leisure moments, 
she took up her knitting. 

Lily was trying to decide on the best place to set up the 
radio, but she curled down on the divan by her mother. 

^^Still working for the Red Cross?’’ she asked. 

^^Oh, yes,” said Mrs. Bufkins. ^^There will always be 
babies, fires, floods, and other disasters.” 

^^It makes me sleepy to hear the needles click,—sad, too,” 
sighed Lily. ^^I think of all the work you did for the soldiers.” 

^dt should make you glad to remember all those warm, 
soft garments we turned out,” answered her mother. ^^Think 
what a comfort those socks must have been to Archie,—and 
may be yet.” 

^Wou are always so sure he is safe,” murmured Lily, ^^yet 
it is so many years since we heard from him last.” 

^^Archingback is safe, somewhere.” Mrs. Bufkins counted 
her stitches. ^^Don’t forget, my child, he had nine lives like 
all the rest of us.” 


[ 30 ] 





A RED CROSS WORKER 












V 

AT CATTSBURG 
Rookies 


V 


AT CATTSBURG 


M other/^ said Lily, was on just such a day as 
this, that we visited Archingback at Cattsburg/^ 
Mrs. Bufkins remembered all the details,—how they had 
been conducted by a thrilling young officer to the parade 
grounds, where among a very awkward squad indeed, poor 
Archie was having his troubles learning to keep step. On 
being asked by an impatient sergeant as to what was the 
matter with his feet, he had saluted, and replied there would 
be nothing wrong with them after he had become familiar 
with the idea of not trying to use them all at once. 

Later, released from duty for a few hours, he had taken 
great pride in showing them through the camp. 

Mrs. Bufkins had suggested that everything seemed to be 
completely wound up in red tape. He had laughed and said^ 
^^Well, to folks like us, you know, it will be only cat^s play to 
untangle it.’’ 

There had been no farewells. He had simply said, ^^You 
must come back and see us after our uniforms are issued.” 

And the next they heard, he was on his way across the ocean. 


[ 34 ] 



ROOKIES 












“SO GOES MONDAY” 


Brissle, the Washerwoman 


VI 


GOES MONDAY^’ 

I T was a Monday morning to delight the heart of any 
housekeeper, and the weekly wash, drying on the line in 
the breeze, was inspected by Mrs. Bufkins with satisfaction. 

^^Brissle is nearly through with her work in the yard,’^ she 
said to Lily. “1 will see about her lunch, then you can have 
her in to help you rearrange the furniture after the radio is 
put in place. I donT know what we should do without 
Brissle,’^ she went on, ^^such a splendid laundress and always 
willing to lend a hand with any other work in the afternoon. 

^^She gets on my nerves,sighed Lily. ‘‘1 can never get a 
word out of her except ^Hunh’, or some other sort of grunt.’’ 

Mrs. Bufkins reproved Lily, saying it was hardly one of 
Brissle’s duties to entertain the family. 

Stepping to the porch, she called that it was lunch-time, 
but Brissle let her understand that some fresh greens right 
out of the garden would be her choice. 

Back in the house, Lily smiled when her mother agreed that 
it was a fact that their helper did not waste any words. 


[ 38 ] 


BRISSLE, THE WASHERWOMAN 







VII 

MEWSIE IN THE KITCHEN 


A Bom Cook 


VII 


MEWSIE IN THE KITCHEN 


"W: 


HERE is my Mewsie this morning?’’ suddenly in¬ 
quired Lily Stripes. 

“Your sweet child is no farther away than the kitchen/’ 
chuckled Mrs. Bufkins. “No sooner had you started for town 
than Barkley began to hint that she could not afford to miss 
bargain day, either. And I gave her the forenoon off because 
Mewsie urged me to. She wanted to try some new recipes, 
she said, and has promised to surprise us.” 

“I’m too curious not to just peep in,” said Lily, “something 
smells delicious.” 

The door was slightly ajar, and a lovely picture was framed 
for the admiring eyes of mother and grandma. 

With a striped apron over her summer frock, and a cap 
perched on her curly bob, Mewsie Stripes handled the rolling- 
pin with the skill of a born cook. Tenderly she patted and 
caressed the rising dough into fluffy biscuits ready for the 
oven. 

Mrs. Bufkin’s eyes grew moist with pride as she watched 
her. 

“As clever as she is good, and as good as she is beautiful,” 
she whispered, “how I love that grandchild!” 


[ 42 ] 



A BORN COOK 
























VIII 


LUNCH-TIME 


Prowler and Purra 


VIII 

LUNCH-TIME 

J UST as the gong was struck for lunch, Prowler and Purra 
Bufkins hurried in through the gateway, swinging the 
family errand-basket between them. 

This brother and sister were twins, and from babyhood 
were never far apart, so when Prowler grew up and became 
his mother^s right-hand man at the Catnip Factory, it caused 
no surprise when Purra took her place at a desk beside him. 

They went to work together, and came home together, and 
always shared each other’s secrets. 

There was only one machine in the Bufkins garage, a tour¬ 
ing-car of well-known make, for the lady of the house did not 
approve of display, but Prowler lost no chance to persuade 
his mother how much time might be saved if they could add a 
small sport model for business purposes. 

He heard the result of Lily’s shopping trip with interest, 
and nudged Purra under the table-cloth. 

Between mouthfuls of Mewsie’s delicious biscuits, he said a 
radio was a fine thing, of course, but he guessed another car 
was now a long way off. 


[ 46 ] 



PROWLER AND PURRA 


















IX 


TRAFFIC CONTROL 
Traffic Officer Pause 


IX 


TRAFFIC CONTROL 


P ROWLER and Purra went to the garage to bring the 
touring-car around to the gate, where Mrs. Bufkins was 
waiting to drive, with the twins, to the Catnip Factory. 
Catnip Corners has very few motor accidents. 

A traffic officer stands at every busy turn to see that the 
signals are not overlooked by careless drivers. 

As Officer Pause signaled the Bufkins machine to go ahead. 
Prowler remarked that he pitied Number Eleven, as he had 
been having a lot of bad luck. 

Mrs. Bufkins, always ready with helpful sympathy, in¬ 
sisted that Prowler bring the car to a stop and, as Mr. Pause 
came forward, said, with a pleasant smile, ^^Mr. Officer, some¬ 
time when you are off duty, why not drop in to see me? Per¬ 
haps I can help you find a way out of your troubles. I am 
sorry for you, and will do all I can.’’ 

don’t know anybody whose advice I’d rather listen to 
than yours, madam,” replied Officer Pause, won’t forget 
this kindness.” 

Mrs. Bufkins explained, as the family drove on, that 
Number Eleven had always seemed a fine, obliging young 
officer, and it was nice to think he considered her a friend. 


[ 50 ] 







^M.\ 


TRAFFIC OFFICER PAUSE 













> 


\ 


'4^ 


r 


h 

K 


■i:, 




■\w i 

■i. -.ii r* 







* 


iO 




'!< 






X 

AT THE CATNIP FACTORY 
Sanitary Uniforms 




X 


AT THE CATNIP FACTORY 


P ASSING tourists, who asked about special points of 
interest, were always advised that it would pay them to 
go through the Catnip Factory. 

Visitors were welcomed every afternoon, between two and 
four, when Mrs. Bufkins was there to show them around 
herself. 

Purr a assisted her mother by giving away generous samples. 
Everything was the last word in sanitary cleanliness, the 
young employees, who scampered about their work in the 
packing-room, always being greatly admired in their crisp 
caps and aprons of gingham. 

But it was the happy holiday air of the place on which Mrs. 
Bufkins was congratulated most often, and she loved to say 
there had never been even the rumor of a strike. 

Many visitors, not used to the herb, became so drowsy they 
had to retire to the rest-room, where, curling up in the easy- 
chairs provided, they would shortly fall sound asleep. 

They were never disturbed. If they were not awake by 
six o’clock, the watchman had orders to leave the door un¬ 
locked, for it was a law-abiding community. 


[54] 


SANITARY UNIFORMS 
















INTRODUCING THE JOLLIPUPS 


A Birthday Cake 


XI 


INTRODUCING THE JOLLIPUPS 

T he Bufkins family and the Jollipups were great friends. 

Mr. Jollipup was a large, good-natured fellow with 
bright brown eyes. He might have been a success at almost 
anything, but was content just to be very popular. 

Mrs. Jollipup never missed the Monday morning bargain 
sales, for there were twins in this family, too,—little boys, 
who were always growing out of something. 

Mr. J. loved to potter around the house, and he had put 
in the entire forenoon baking a cake, and icing it, for it was 
the birthday of Buddy and Ruddy. They were six years old, 
so there were twelve pink candles to be lighted on it. 

When his wife returned, Mr. J. met her at the door. He 
rather fancied himself as a chef, and wore a cap and apron 
while he called attention to the product of his morning’s 
labor. 

Mrs. Jollipup dutifully exclaimed, ^^Truly that’s a marvel¬ 
ous cake, Henry,” and her husband beamed under her praise. 

She took Henry for better or worse, and he might have been 
a great deal worse, the twins’ mother would say. 


[58] 




A BIRTHDAY CAKE 




















i V/ 






XII 


THE DOLL HOSPITAL 
Mewsie Brings a Patient 


XII 


THE DOLL HOSPITAL 

I BELIEVE, Mama, Mewsie Stripes is bringing you a 
patient,^^ said Henry Jollipup. Mr. J. always called his 
wife “Mama.’' 

This clever lady was forever thinking up some scheme to 
piece out Henry’s very slender earnings without hurting his 
feelings. 

Just now she was acting as chief surgeon of “The Doll 
Hospital,” which she had fitted up in their basement. 

“Mewsie Stripes is past the doll age,” she was saying, when 
the visitor came in and explained that she had brought a 
favorite Japanese doll of her childhood, and hoped Mrs. J. 
might restore her to complete health. 

Company was expected in the Bufkins household in a few 
weeks. Rose, a younger sister, was coming home with her little 
baby, and Mewsie thought it would be nice to have a doll 
ready. 

“For I know the baby would love this one,” she finished. 
Then she cried, “But I’m forgetting my most important 
errand, Mrs. Jollipup; you are all invited to our first radio 
party to-night!” 


[62] 



MEWSIE BRINGS A PATIENT 














XIII 


IN THE OPERATING ROOM 
Painless Surgery 


XIII 


IN THE OPERATING ROOM 


P OOR Butterfly, which was the name of the Japanese 
patient, was laid on the table at once, as she had been 
unconscious some time as the result of an injury. 

Besides, she had lost a great deal of sawdust, so transfusion 
was resorted to, but in less than twenty minutes, such was the 
skill of the operating surgeon, she was pronounced out of 
danger, and it was believed that the trip home would not 
lessen her chances for recovery, in the least. 

Still, Mewsie was in no hurry to depart, even after she had 
settled with the doctor for her services, and Butterfly had 
been delivered into her care. 

She had also been told that the Jollipups would be delighted 
to be guests of the Bufkins family for the evening. 

The truth is, she was simply fascinated by the capable 
efforts that quickly followed Dr. Jollipup’s keen diagnosis. 

Some patients, it seemed, needed nothing more than a 
brisk scrubbing with soapy water, to restore them to normal, 
after which they were placed in a current of air to revive them. 
None of the day’s cases was hopeless. 


[ 66 ] 


PAINLESS SURGERY 











XIV 


RUDDY AND BUDDY 


The Musical Twins 


XIV 


RUDDY AND BUDDY 


F or several months the Jollipup twins had been hoping 
and praying that they might receive French horns for 
birthday presents, so that these happy gifts were no great 
surprise to them. 

But when they beheld the snappy uniforms their busy 
mother had turned out, after closing the doll hospital for the 
day, the little fellows were so tickled they could not say a 
word. 

The birthday celebration was held as soon as they came 
home from school, and Mewsie Stripes was persuaded to stay 
to see the candles lighted, and the cake cut. 

Butterfly sat at the table in a high-chair though her appetite 
had not yet come back. 

The twins were anxious to appear at the Bufkins party in 
their little red-and-white outfits, carrying their horns, and said 
together, ‘‘We will play if they urge us.’^ 

^^Better not, boys,^^ warned Henry Jollipup, ^^Mama didnT 
have much time this afternoon, and performers on wind in¬ 
struments need their uniforms held together with something 
besides common pins.’’ 


[70] 



THE MUSICAL TWINS 














XV 


A RADIO PROGRAM 


‘There’s Music in the Air’ 


XV 


A RADIO PROGRAM 


T he Bufkins first radio party was a great success. 

Among those present, besides the Jollipups, were the 
Bassbark brothers, quite musical gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. 
Padfoot, and His Honor, Mayor Roundhead. 

All these guests decided to install radio machines of the 
same model, the solid mahogany cabinet being very much 
admired. 

The evening’s entertainment ran like clockwork, even the 
air behaving beautifully, until there was a sharp interruption 
of “Spitz-meow,” repeated in a higher scale. 

“Static playing pranks,” suggested Mayor Roundhead. 

But Henry Jollipup expressed the opinion that the “static” 
came from the alley in back of the house, and said if he might 
have a few old boots or tin cans, he would disperse the same. 

With Mr. Padfoot and the mayor, Henry crept cautiously 
to the rear, and they found the fence fairly lined with residents 
not invited to the party. 

They quickly explained they were simply listening-in, when 
an argument arose between two parties as to what programs 
were on the air; so the incident was quietly closed. 


[ 74 ] 


THERE’S MUSIC IN THE AIR 











XVI 


AN INTRUDER 
Just Frightening Him 


XVI 


AN INTRUDER 

T here was excitement enough on the evening of the party 
to suit everybody. In fact, as Mr. Jollipup said on the 
way home, there was not one dull moment. 

The radio audience enjoyed a wonderful and varied program. 
While the gentlemen were trying to tune-in on the Voter^s 
Service, the ladies went to the kitchen to help with the refresh¬ 
ments. 

In the pantry, Mewsie Stripes was going to slice bread for 
sandwiches when she found an unwelcome intruder at work 
ahead of her. 

Now Mewsie did not scream,—not because she was too 
brave to be afraid of the thief—but she had some strange 
notions, and could never bear to see anything hurt. Not even 
a mouse! 

So she got a stick of kindling from the wood-box and tried 
to scare the little animal, but he was not in the least frightened. 

She gave his tail a gentle pull. Still he did not move, so she 
grew bolder and pinched him, and he rose up into the air in a 
series of jumps and jerks, and landed on the kitchen floor in 
the midst of the ladies. 


[ 78 ] 



JUST FRIGHTENING HIM. 












XVII 

AN AMUSING INTERLUDE 

Panic 


XVII 


AN AMUSING INTERLUDE 

O N hearing the sound of screams and dishes breaking, the 
gentlemen came running promptly to the assistance of 
the ladies, and were mean enough to laugh when they found 
three of them standing on a table, drawing their skirts around 
them. 

''Do something to that mouse, Henry Jollipup!’' shrieked 
Mrs. J. sticking her head out of the dish cupboard, where she 
had fled, with others. 

"DonT kill it,’’ begged Mewsie, "catch it and w^e can put in 
in a cage.” 

More laughter followed, and hints were whispered that the 
world was getting civilized, indeed, if a mouse would upset the 
ladies of Catnip Corners. 

In the meantime, the little offender seemed perfectly at 
home in the middle of the floor and Mrs. Bufkins began to see 
daylight. 

"Prowler Bufkins,” she said, "if you had anything to do 

about this, tell all you know at once.” 

"Mother,” answered Prowler, "that is the mouse I hope will 

make me famous. It is filled with catnip, and contains a tiny 

spring,—my own invention,—and when we get these toys on 

the market, just see if we don’t have to enlarge the factory.” 

[ 82 ] 



PANIC 
















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XVIII 


A WONDERFUL IDEA 
The Night Was Still 


XVIII 


A WONDERFUL IDEA 


M r. HIRAM PADFOOT became a radio fan following 
the party and could hardly wait for evening to come. 
He would hurry home from the factory, do very scant justice 
to the delightful dinner waiting for him, and before dessert was 
served, he was rustling through “The Catnip Corners Daily’^ 
till he found the column headed, “What Is On The Air For Us 
To-night.” 

As Mrs. Padfoot said, she might just as well have set a bowl 
of crackers and milk before him, for he no longer knew or cared 
what he was eating. 

One night Mrs. Padfoot was awakened by loud cries of “Ida, 
hurry!” 

Never doubting that the house was on fire, she rushed from 
her bed to the living-room in her gown and boudoir cap! 

And there, fully dressed, was her husband alert at the radio. 
“The time has come,” he shouted, “for Catnip Corners to 
have its own broadcasting station!” 

“The time has come for you to look at the clock,” snapped 
Mrs. Padfoot, after she had recovered her breath. 

Hiram declared he had no idea it was after half-past eight. 


[ 86 ] 


THE NIGHT WAS STILL. 















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STATION N I P—CATNIP CORNERS 


Home Talent 



XIX 


STATION N I P—CATNIP CORNERS 


M r. PADFOOT was sure that his idea of a broadcasting 
station in Catnip Corners would interest Mrs. Bufkins, 
and in less than a week after his interview with her, the walls 
and ceiling of a room opening off the main floor of the factory 
were covered with cloth, and everything was in readiness for 
the opening of a first-class studio. 

The announcer selected was Mr. Padfoot himself, and it was 
in his best style and choicest tones that he told the world of 
listeners-in that the privilege of hearing programs, both enter¬ 
taining and instructive, would be theirs daily, during an hour 
at noon, and for an hour in the evening. 

A few words followed about the city^s leading industry, then 
^Mhe Factory Frolickers’^ were introduced, and Pussie Pur- 
mow and Kitty Miyawl sent a folk-song out on the air, to the 
accompaniment of a stringed instrument played by Prowler 
Bufkins. 

^^You have been listening, good people, to Station NIP, 
Catnip Corners,’^ concluded Mr. Padfoot. ^Mell us how you 
like us, and sweet dreams to you.’^ 

Within a few days mail began pouring in from all over the 
country. 


[ 90 ] 



HOME TALENT, 







XX 

MME. PRETTI-PUPPI 
Broadcasting an Appeal 


XX 


MME. PRETTI-PUPPI 

T he Catnip Corners Daily’’ stated, one evening, that 
Mrs. Thomas Bufkins had as her house-guest, Mme. 
Yella Pretti-Puppi. 

This star of opera and concert stage was a childhood com¬ 
panion of Mrs. Bufkins, and in those bygone days boasted no 
finer name than Yellow Puppy. 

She was still blonde, lovely, and very elegant, but a lady of 
warm sympathy. 

Quite willingly she agreed to go on the air from Station 
NIP, just for the pleasure it would bring her old friends, and 
it was she who suggested that she follow her aria with a de¬ 
scription of Archie Stripes. 

So after a proper interval, Mr. Padfoot announced, ^^We 
will now stand by for a distress call.” 

In a ringing voice, Pretti-Puppi spoke directly into the 
microphone. ^Triends of the air, if you have news of Arch- 
ingback Stripes, reported missing in action in nineteen hundred 
eighteen, remember that a wife, Lily, eagerly awaits your 
messages, at Catnip Corners, Animal Land, U. S. A.” 

The singer promised Lily that she would add that appeal to 
her program, whenever possible, wherever she broadcasted. 


[ 94 ] 



BROADCASTING AN APPEAL 















XXI 

THE ANNUAL OUTING 


The Band Led the Parade 


XXI 


THE ANNUAL OUTING 

T he Annual Outing of the Catnip Factory was always 
the event of the summer season in Catnip Corners. 

The factory workers looked forward to this day from one 
picnic to another and their eagerness was shared by half the 
city. 

The scene of festivities was the City Park, a delightful 
place of cool green lawns, and friendly shade trees. 

During the last year interest had increased daily in some 
little rustic bird-houses placed on the grounds as a gift from 
the Woman’s Club, of which Mrs. Bufkins was a charter 
member. 

Bushy-tailed squirrels were a great attraction, too, but 
visitors often wondered why these were kept in cages. 

On the morning of the outing, the Caterwaul Band, all fac¬ 
tory musicians, rode on a truck through the principal streets, 
and gave a concert in front of the City Hall. 

The boys really did not have much time to practise, but 
their music was of such a spine-tingling variety, that the most 
sedate citizens could not keep their feet still, and followed the 
band to the park. 


[ 98 ] 


THE BAND LED THE PARADE 











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XXII 

REFRESHMENTS 


Purra and Prowler at Their Booth 


XXII 


REFRESHMENTS 


P ROWLER and Purra Bufkins were to have charge of 
the ice-cream booth this year, so they drove out to the 
park, bright and early, to pick out a good spot for their stand. 

Just as they arrived, the place took on a holiday air with 
the sudden appearance of the old balloon man. 

Where he came from, nobody knew. Purra said he must 
live in the magician^s hat with the eggs and the ducks. 

The twins drove back to town in a hurry to get their sup¬ 
plies ready, for they knew that they must be prepared to do 
a rushing business later in the day. 

Dozens of crispy cones were arranged for, and freezers of 
cream were to be delivered every few hours as the day promised 
to be warm. 

Of course, they ordered plenty of vanilla, always a stand-by, 
and several ices of new flavors. 

^^This ^Catnip Mousse^ sounds good to me,’' said Purra. 
wonder if I should try it before lunch.” 

^^Leave off the catnip and take out one ^s’,” replied Prowler, 
^^and ril tell the world this booth would make some real 
money to-day.” 


[102] 


PURRA AND PROWLER AT THEIR BOOTH. 
















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XXIII 

A KIND HEART 
Pretti-Puppi as a Hot-Dog Vender 


XXIII 


A KIND HEART 


M ME. PRETTI-PUPPI planned her yearly visit to 
Catnip Corners to include the Annual Outing. 

There was, of course, a benefit society for the factory 
workers, and the proceeds from the sale of refreshments at 
the picnic were devoted to the fund for families of disabled 
members. 

Charity was Mme. Pretti-Puppi^s hobby. 

Nothing suited her better than to make a jolly tour of the 
park, renewing old friendships, while she disposed of some¬ 
thing salable. 

It did not make much difference what she had to sell. 
Everybody considered it an honor to trade with an opera 
singer, and would pay almost any price for the privilege. 

This time she got herself up as a hot-dog vender. In a tray 
hung around her neck, she carried rolls, frankfurts, and a 
mustard cup, and Prowler Bufkins said her hot-dogs tasted 
like a million dollars. 

Mayor Roundhead, in the name of charity, purchased a 
photograph of the star, and she wrote across it, in a dashing 
hand, ^Taithfully, Pretti-Puppi.^^ 


[ 106 ] 



PRETTI-PUPPI AS A HOT-DOG VENDER 
















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XXIV 

MOVING PICTURES 
Purritt Long, Camera-man 


XXIV 


MOVING PICTURES 


T here was a new and interesting feature for this pic- 
nic, so a larger crowd than usual collected at the park. 
Mayor Roundhead believed in advertising the city and 
nothing, he said, would help to put Catnip Corners on the 
map like getting some good movies of the outing run off in 
a Cathe Weekly News Reel. 

Mrs. Bufkins, who had done so much to help build up a 
larger and better place to live in, had been asked for her 
opinion, and agreed heartily with the mayor. 

It was also decided to have some scenes taken around the 
factory, showing the pickers and packers at work, as the 
catnip industry was of educational value. 

The Cathe Company, on receiving the mayor’s letter, re¬ 
plied the same day, promising to send a camera-man. 

He arrived on the morning of the outing, and proved to be a 
pleasant, likable fellow, the name on his card being Purritt 

Long. 

The mayor presented him to Mrs. Bufkins, who finding he 
had not yet registered at the hotel, urged him to have his. 
bags sent right around to Pussyway Lane. 


[ 110 ] 



PURRITT LONG, CAMERA-MAN 









XXV 


PURRITT MEETS MEWSIE 


A Fortune in Her Face 


XXV 


PURRITT MEETS MEWSIE 


P URRITT LONG was busy every moment on the morn¬ 
ing of the outing. 

There were many on hand who offered to show him around, 
and he thanked them, but said he would just roam around by 
himself, and pick out some beauty spots that would make 
good background for movies. 

He filmed several scenes of crowds arriving at the gate, but 
so many were anxious to get into every picture, that not much 
could be seen but a mad scramble. 

The merrymakers had to be warned that there was such a 
thing as too much action. 

It was not until the Bufkins family and their guests gathered 
under a big oak-tree to open a bountiful picnic basket, that 
Purritt Long met beautiful Mewsie Stripes. 

As strangers were often so thrilled by Mewsie’s loveliness 
that they were at a loss for words, the fact that Mr. Long 
seemed unable to say anything, passed unnoticed. 

When the time came to film the ball game, the camera-man 
was missing. 

A searching party found him taking ^^stills’^ of Mewsie 
Stripes. 

He explained that there was a fortune in her face. 

[ 114 ] 


A FORTUNE IN HER FACE 











XXVI 


BASEBALL 


Instructions 


XXVI 


BASEBALL 

N O factory outing ever omits its baseball game, and just 
as sure as family heads must be signed for one team, 
so the other is always made up of workers without domestic 
cares. 

Mr. Jollipup, who considered himself as good as any Na¬ 
tional League pitcher, managed to do a few days^ work at 
the factory so that he might see his name on the roster with 
Mr. Padfoot and other friends. 

Among those on the opposite nine was Prowler Bufkins, a 
fixture behind the bat. 

Both line-ups had seemed complete, but on the day of the 
picnic there were gaps to be filled in. 

Mayor Roundhead, who was to act as umpire, offered to 
instruct Bill Bassbark, who was hurried into a uniform and 
given a catcher’s mitt at the last minute. 

‘‘This is the home plate,” said the mayor. 

“Vd like to see a pork chop on it,” laughed Bill. 

The mayor replied this was baseball, not a barbecue. 

The whole nine innings did not last over an hour, and while 
the National Game received pretty rough treatment, the 
speed and dash displayed resulted in some very good movies. 


[ 118 ] 


INSTRUCTIONS 








XXVII 

THIRSTY THROATS 
Prohibition Beverages 


XXVII 


THIRSTY THROATS 

A fter the baseball game had been cheered to a finish, 
there were many thirsty throats in the crowd. 

As soon as the ice-cream booth was sold out, the Snow¬ 
ball Wagon was surrounded. 

The method of preparing a snowball, in Catnip Corners, is 
simply to crack off a small chunk of ice and sprinkle this with 
a flavor selected by the patron. 

As these popular thirst-quenchers could not be made up in 
advance, a little cart, containing ice and extract bottles, had 
been wheeled around the grounds by Pawsie Tortoyes, all day 
long. His sweetheart, Furza, served the snowballs. 

Furza, who surely did look limp and wilted, had just de¬ 
clared that she was ^ heady to drop,^’ when a disturbance was 
heard, and a burly figure pushed his way through to the 
wagon, saying he guessed he would have to smell of those 
bottles! 

He was recognized at once as Sheriff Spy Katz. 

The mayor was soon on the scene, and told the sheriff his 
conduct was an outrage, as he ought to know Mrs. Bufkins 
would never permit a violation of the Eighteenth Amendment. 


[ 122 ] 


PROHIBITION BEVERAGES 
























XXVIII 


COMPANY ARRIVES 


Mother and Child 


XXVIII 


COMPANY ARRIVES 

T ired and dusty, but good-natured as ever, Prowler 
Bufkins drove around the park, loading up the ^^bus,^^ 
as he called the touring-car, with family and friends, to make 
the return trip to Pussy way Lane. 

No one cared, at the moment, if the Annual Outing was 
over. 

The drive home was rather silent, but as the cottage came 
in sight, Purra, less sleepy than the others, noticed that the 
porch-light was on. 

Excitement soon prevailed, when it was learned that more 
company had arrived, for Rose, Lily’s younger sister, stood 
in the hallway, holding her little baby girl in her arms. 

After the first greetings were exchanged, the baby was 
gently handed back and forth while the fond relatives tried 
to agree whom the little one looked like the most. 

Sound asleep, after the long journey, the color of her eyes 
could not be seen, but her tiny head was soft as yellow silk. 

For this reason she had been given the name of ^^Goldie,” 
after Grandma Bufkins. 


[ 126 ] 



MOTHER AND CHILD 













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XXIX 


A LULLABY 


Bedtime 


XXIX 


A LULLABY 


T here were so many guests in the Bufkins cottage, that 
Rose and her baby had to share Lilyas room. 

Prowler was sent to the attic to hunt up Mewsie^s first bed, 
and trunks were opened, and soft blankets brought out and 
aired before a fire built in the grate. 

By this time the precious child was fully awake, and insisted 
on having her supper. 

Rose said that her baby had never kept her awake ^^one 
single night,but this seemed to be an exception. 

The small bed was strange and Goldie just refused to be 
placed in it. 

Lily wanted to rock her, but Rose said she did not want to 
start a bad habit. 

It was Pretti-Puppi who came to the rescue at last. Gather¬ 
ing the tired little mite close to her plump shoulder, she began 
to sing an old and favorite slumber song. 

hear her voice with love rejoice, 

While nestling on her arm 
Lull-la-bye-eye-eye-lull-la-bye-eye-eye-’ ” 

she hummed. 

And even Baby Goldie was charmed by the magic in that 
lovely voice. 


[ 130 ] 


BEDTIME 










XXX 


A FUTURE FOR MEWSIE 
The Try-Out 


XXX 

A FUTURE FOR MEWSIE 


W YSE CATT, the great movie director, had asked Purritt 
Long to look for new camera-faces, and wire him, so that 
he could give them a trial. 

When Mr. Catt arrived, Mewsie said that he had better talk 
with her family. 

The director told Mrs. Lily Stripes that his faith in her 
daughter was such that he believed he could make her name a 
household word. 

A contract, containing a salary clause that looked like the 
yearly earnings of the Catnip Factory, was shown to Mrs. 
Bufkins. 

Calm and keen, as usual, she told Mr. Catt that while they 
knew Mewsie was a beauty, they had really never noticed any 
talent in the movie line. 

Mr. Catt shrugged his shoulders, and said that was a mere 
detail to be arranged after a star arrived in Hollywood. 

^Tn that case,’^ said Mewsie’s grandmother, ^det us make 
hay while the sun shines. 

Lily protested that Hollywood would be different from Cat¬ 
nip Corners. 

^Tshaw!^^ declared Mrs. Bufkins, ^There^s no place on earth, 
where there aren’t plenty of people who work hard all day and 
go to bed early.” 


[ 134 ] 


THE TRY-OUT 
















A BLOW-OUT 
“My Kingdom for a Horse!” 


XXXI 


A BLOW-OUT 

L ily stripes was going to Hollywood with her daughter, 
and on the morning of the departure the entire Bufkins 
family decided to drive to the station. 

Handkerchiefs were much in evidence, and Prowler’s voice 
far from steady, as he remarked that if many more piled into 
the ^^old bus/’ he would not risk the tires. 

Just as he spoke there was a loud report from the right rear. 
A passing taxi could only make room for Lily, Mewsie, and 
Purra, but Mrs. Bufkins urged them to go on. Then she ordered 
Prowler to get to work with the pump, and, saying the train 
was sure to be late, took the knitting out of her bag. 

But the whistle on the California Limited screeched through 
the air while the tire was still soft. 

For once the head of the Catnip Factory was dismayed. 
^^Drive in on the rim, but get there,” she cried. 

Prowler did his best, but they arrived at the crossing only 
to see the observation platform fade into the distance. 

“My kingdom for a horse!” mourned Grandma Bufkins. 


[ 138 ] 


MY KINGDOM FOR A HORSE! 












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XXXII 


A FISHING TRIP 
Something on the Line 


XXXII 


A FISHING TRIP 

T he cottage in Pussyway Lane seemed so still after Lily 
and Mewsie went away that Mrs. Bufkins sometimes had 
the blues in spite of wonderful reports that came from the 
western coast. 

Prowler was very thoughtful of his mother these days, for 
since the incident of the blow-out, she had admitted several 
times that it might come in handy to have a sport roadster in 
the garage, and had even consented to look over some cata¬ 
logues with him. 

One afternoon in the late fall, when she said she thought a 
fishing trip would do her good, he agreed eagerly, and dug the 
worms. 

The weather seemed ideal,—soft and hazy,—but Prowler and 
his mother must have gone to the wrong place, for everything 
that got on the line was Mrs. Bufkins’ hat, and the mosquitoes 
were all that did any biting. 

But the lady declared that, while she never in her life had 
been so hungry for fish, she felt both rested and refreshed,— 
and in a happy frame of mind. 


[ 142 ] 





SOMETHING ON THE LINE 






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XXXIII 

AT THE TEA-ROOM 




Service for Two 


XXXIII 


AT THE TEA-ROOM 


D r. JOLLIPUPwas asked to treat so many charity patients 
at the Doll Hospital that she found herself obliged to 
look about for further means of support, so she opened a tea¬ 
room. 

Mr. Jollipup made some little tables, and painted them 
green, and being highly complimented, began to wonder if he 
shouldnT have gone in for interior decorating. 

Pretty Kitty Sweet was glad to act as waitress, after school 
hours, and wore a green uniform, with a dainty white apron, 
and served from a green-and-white tray. 

The place was very attractive, but the fact remains that the 
two best customers were the Jollipup twins, Buddy and Ruddy. 
So when Mrs. Bufkins and Prowler dropped in, on the way 
home from the fishing trip, they received a very warm welcome. 

Prowler was sorry there was no ^^Catnip Mouses,but he 
showed Kitty Sweet how to make a remarkable new college 
ice, and had a pleasant time doing it. 

Mrs. Bufkins was very liberal in both praise and patronage, 
and Mrs. Jollipup told her how much the family enjoyed 
Mewsie’s first picture. 


[ 146 ] 



SERVICE FOR TWO. 












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XXXIV 


A HAPPY INCIDENT 
Lucky Jack Keennose 


XXXIV 


A HAPPY INCIDENT 

J ACK KEENNOSE was one of those amazing anglers that 
can fish in sun or rain, from bank or boat, and use live 
bait or fly, yet never come home with an empty basket. 

He happened to be waiting for a car when Mrs. Bufkins and 
her son came out of the tea-room. 

^^Why go home without fish now.^^^ whispered Prowler, nudg¬ 
ing his mother’s arm. 

At that moment the fisherman sauntered over, remarking 
it was a shame they had such poor luck. 

^ We didn’t fish where you did,” Mrs. Bufkins reminded him. 
Mr. Keennose explained that he had to lay the piece of 
wrapping paper over his catch, for it was ^^a mighty hot after¬ 
noon.” 

Mrs. Bufkins saw that he looked offended when Prowler 
laughed, so she hastened to agree with him that it was very 
warm for October. 

And she added that she was ^Tsh hungry,” and would con¬ 
sider it a favor if he could spare a few of his trout. 

So Prowler and his mother went home with fish in their 
basket while Jack Keennose enjoyed the novelty of jingling 
money in his pocket. 


[ 150 ] 



LUCKY JACK KEENNOSE 












XXXV 

AN INTERVIEW WITH MEWSIE 


In Her Sedan-Chair 


XXXV 


AN INTERVIEW WITH MEWSIE 


P ROWLER and his mother had one more stop to make on 
the way home, and that was at the news-stand, for Lily 
had written that the October number of ^Tilm-Folks’^ was to 
contain an interview with Mewsie. 

Mrs. Bufkins opened the magazine to a photograph showing 
Mewsie being carried to and from the studio in a sedan-chair 
because her company had taken out so large a policy on her 
life that they could not afford to let her risk it in a motor-car. 

The star’s grandmother gasped and leaned against a light- 
post. ^^Let me sit down in the park a few minutes and read 
the rest of this,” she said. 

^^Oh, come on home and cook the fish,” urged Prowler, 
^Wou’re only hungry.” 

So they walked along slowly, while Prowler held the maga¬ 
zine open and Mrs. Bufkins finished the write-up which con¬ 
cluded : 

^^Mewsie Stripes is little and cute. Some ffans’ who have 
watched her frisk down a flight of stairs, compare her to the 
beloved Marguerite Clarke, who always reminded us of a play¬ 
ful kitten.” 


[ 154 ] 


JN HER SEDAN-CHAIR, 





















XXXVI 


COOKING BY RADIO 
Up-to-Date 


XXXVI 


COOKING BY RADIO 


W HEN the fish-basket was carried to the back door, Mrs. 
Bufkins saw another new radio set up in the kitchen. 
She sat down wearily, and fanned herself with her hat. 
Barkley, the cook, talked very fast, explaining that she had 
installed a machine for her own use so that she could tune-in 
on the ^^Housekeepers Hour.’’ 

All her friends were cooking by radio, and you could see 
what a grand thing it was, she said, just by this afternoon. 
For while she was thinking they never would catch any fish— 
and wondering what could she get for dinner—right out of the 
air came that recipe for the clam chowder they could hear bub¬ 
bling in the kettle! 

^^Barkley,” said Prowler, grandly, ^^your radio chowder 
smells pretty good, but you will have to move it over on the 
back of the stove while we fry our trout.” 

Barkley had intended to ask for a raise on account of the 
air service, but she was so surprised to see the fine mess of fish 
that she forgot it. 


[ 158 ] 




UP-TO-DATE 













XXXVII 


A THRILLING MESSAGE 


A Voice from the Past 


XXXVII 


A THRILLING MESSAGE 

O NE evening after the World War a stranger strolled into 
the Revellers’ Club in London. 

It was apparent to all that he was a soldier and a gentleman, 
though he appeared to be in a daze. 

He had no idea what his name was, where he came from, 
nor how he happened there. 

There were no papers of any description on him, but in his 
pocket was a medal for distinguished service, and a few brief 
questions revealed him as no ordinary adventurer. 

^^Shell shock,” decided Captain Airkat of the Royal Fliers. 
And to the stranger he said, kindly, ^^Why not come home with 
me, and I’ll call you Tom Smith? That was my buddy’s name.” 

So ^Tom Smith” settled down in pleasant quarters, to a 
life that was comfortable, and fairly contented, until one 
evening at the radio he tuned-in on the message of appeal that 
Pretti-Puppi was broadcasting faithfully, just as she had 
promised Lily Stripes. 

''Catnip Corners, Animal Land, U. S. A.,” repeated the 
listener, as if he were talking in a dream. "I have been there 
sometime. I can smell the catnip now.” 

Then the war-wearied veteran closed his eyes in blissful rec¬ 
ollection of "Home, Sweet Home.” 

[ 162 ] 


A VOICE FROM THE PAST. 






I 


XXXVIII 


A PERILOUS JOURNEY 
^ London to New York 


XXXVIII 


A PERILOUS JOURNEY 

O N the same night that ^^Tom Smith’^ received the message 
that began to awaken memories of the past, a great honor 
had befallen his friend, Captain Airkat. 

The happy aviator burst into the apartment, a few hours 
later, with the news that he had been chosen to pilot the first 
trans-Atlantic flight of the Aerial Express from London to 
New York. 

He was surprised and disappointed when greeted by a silence. 
When he asked what was wrong, and was told about the 
strange appeal, and its disturbing effect, he laughed in relief. 

“Well, Tommy,” he cried, “things just couldn’t have 
happened any better for you. This is only a test trip, I’m 
to make, but besides my mechanician I’m allowed to carry 
one passenger. So why not take a chance with me? ’ ’ 

And the captain added that, once across, he would spare 
no effort to locate Catnip Corners, and help his friend clear 
up all the mystery. 

That promise decided “Tom Smith” to attempt the peri¬ 
lous journey, and the two buddies waited for the right kind 
of weather with great impatience. 


[ 166 ] 


LONDON TO NEW YORK. 









XXXIX 


THE RESCUE 


The Sea Was Like Glass 


XXXIX 


THE RESCUE 


T he day came at last when charts and weather data were 
favorable for the take-off of the Aerial Express, and the 
gigantic bird rose into the air, zipped and zoomed out of sight, 
and was last viewed off the coast of Ireland. 

It was in mid-ocean that Captain Airkat, working des¬ 
perately at the controls, yelled into the ear of his buddy, 
^^Take out all that^s left of our nine lives. Wehe going to 
need them!^^ 

The next that ^^Tom Smith^’ knew he was floating on a big 
green wave. 

He was a splendid swimmer, so he held his head up to look 
for his companions. Not far away the gallant captain and his 
mechanician were treading water. 

^^Cheer up, old chap,^^ came the pilot’s voice, ^TVe signaled 
a freighter!” 

It seemed hours before the friendly ship reached them, but 
the sea was like glass, and with the water so warm, it was 
hard to realize that they were in danger. 

When life-boats were finally lowered all were rescued in 
safety. 

But the Aerial Express was a plaything for the fishes. 


[ 170 ] 


THE SEA WAS LIKE GLASS. 













IN THE PUBLIC EYE 
A. Gift from a Royal Admirer 


XL 


IN THE PUBLIC EYE 


C ALLERS at the Bufkins cottage one day were excited 
over a picture on the front page of a marked copy of 
^^The Hollywood Gazette/^ 

^^How cute! they chimed in chorus. 

^^How ridiculous, I should say/^ returned the hostess, who, 
nevertheless, wore quite a satisfied smile. ^^Let me read this 
nonsense aloud: 


Tt is the sensation of the hour when beautiful Mewsie 
Stripes and her charming mother appear on the boulevard in 
a smart turn-out drawn by, what is said to be, the gift of a 
royal admirer. We print what is an exact copy, we under¬ 
stand, of the letter the star received with her present. 

^ ^^To Hollywood's Queen:—If it be true that Her Most 
Gracious Majesty resents the refusal of her director to per¬ 
mit her to risk her life in the saddle, she is wrong,—and her 
adviser—quite right. 

^ fall from a horse is a funny thing only for the news¬ 
papers. 

u f ]y[ajesty would promise to substitute for her 

daily canter, a drive behind the gentle animal that is being 
shipped her, it would ease the minds of her subjects, and 
delight the heart of 

^ ^^A Prince Who Must Be Careful^^ 


[ 174 ] 





A GIFT FROM A ROYAL ADMIRER. 










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XLI 


A WEARY TRAVELER 


At the Crossroads 


XLI 


A WEARY TRAVELER 


B risk winds were blowing winter toward Catnip Cor¬ 
ners as Henry Jollipup finished the task of repainting 
all the guide-posts within the city limits. 

As he stood thinking with pride how his bold, black letters 
would jump out through blinding storms to point the way to 
puzzled drivers, he discovered with dismay he had omitted 
his final 

This meant a trip to town for more paint before his work 
would be complete. The artist sighed. 

He was still wondering what he had better do, when his 
attention was drawn to a dusty traveler approaching the 
crossroads. 

One glance was enough to mark the sharp contrast between 
the pathetic little bundle slung on a stick across the stranger^s 
shoulder, and his military figure, so gallant and erect in spite 
of weariness. 

^^Let me give you a lift into the city,^^ suggested Mr. 
Jollipup, genially. 

thank you, sir,—but I do not know yet just where I am 
going,’’ was the tired answer. 

^^Well, think it over,” laughed Mr. Jollipup. ^T’m coming 
back.” And he drove away wondering where he had heard 
that voice before. 


[ 178 ] 



AT THE CROSSROADS 















XLII 


BACK TO NATURE 


A Wanderer 


XLII 


BACK TO NATURE 


C ATNIP CORNERS, which was now only five miles 
away, had been the destination of the dusty traveler 
for many weary months. 

But he had forgotten what he had expected to find there. 
Perhaps, he thought, if he went in among the friendly trees 
and rested a few days, things would seem clearer. 

Mr. Jollipup^s empty paint-can reminded him that, with 
bait, he might have fish for supper. 

During his travels he had been surprised that life proved so 
simple for him. He had seldom gone long without food. 

As he wandered about in the dusk, he found a few ears of 
corn and was soon roasting one over a slow fire. 

He must have been a Boy Scout, he decided, since he fared 
so well in the woods. He did not think of the ^^No Trespass¬ 
ing^’ sign, which a Boy Scout would respect. 

Briars tore his clothing, but in a khaki safety kit in his little 
bundle there were needles, patches, and thread. He could 
not remember using this in active service, but it came in very 
handy now. 

To-morrow he must locate that pleasant, drowsy scent that 
excited his nostrils. He went to sleep believing he was, really, 
almost home. 


[ 182 ] 



A WANDERER 







XLIII 

IN HOLLYWOOD WITH MEWSIE 


Real Tears 


XLIII 


IN HOLLYWOOD WITH MEWSIE 

I N Hollywood, Mewsie Stripes was rehearsing a film, the 
climax of which was the farewell of a princess to an 
exiled nobleman, who appears under her window disguised as 
the court jester. 

But although Wyse Catt, himself, was directing her, and 
the leading man was a second Valentino, the little star failed 
to register any proper emotion. 

^^CanT you stop smiling,begged the great Mr. Catt in 
despair. 

Mewsie shook her head. ^T’m too happy,’’ she replied. 
^Well, just try to imagine you will never see Purritt Long 
again,” snapped the director. 

^^But I’m going to take him back to Catnip Corners,” 
explained Mewsie sweetly. 

^^Ah, that gives me an idea,” cried Mr. Catt, and he beck¬ 
oned to an assistant. 

In the twinkling of an eye a radio was set up in the studio, 

and the director made a deft turn of the dials. 

At the first haunting note of melody he shouted, ^^Camera!” 

And, oh, how poor Mewsie’s tears began to flow! 

When the scene was finished, Mr. Catt, whose own eyes 

were moist, shook hands with the star, and remarked that he 

doubted if Mrs. Fairbanks could have equalled her. 

[ 186 ] 



REAL TEARS. 














4 




XLIV 

BROADCASTING FROM CATNIP CORNERS 


The Three Brothers Bassbark 


XLIV 


BROADCASTING FROM CATNIP CORNERS 

I T sounds stranger than fiction, but on the very day that 
the three Bassbark brothers went on the air from the Catnip 
Corners Broadcasting Station, Mr. Hiram Padfoot, the an¬ 
nouncer said to them, as they took their places in front of 
the microphone, ^‘Now, boys, sing—and remember Mewsie 
Stripes may be listening to you in Hollywood. 

And everybody agreed that ^^The Three Brothers Bassbark,'^ 
as Mr. Padfoot smartly announced the trio, were never in 
better voice than they displayed in the effort that proved the 
inspiration of Mewsie Stripes^ great acting in the most popular 
picture of the year. 

Letters that were received at Station NIP during the next 
few days, showed that the boys made a wise choice in their 
selection, which seemed to have been heard by few listeners-in 
with dry eyes. 

Many requested copies of the song, which begins like this: 

“Carry me back to Catnip Corners, 

Where birds make music while they may— 

Let me taste once more of the charms in that wildwood, 

And I’ll call it the end of a perfect day.” 


[ 190 ] 



THE THREE BROTHERS BASSBARK. 










XLV 


CAUTION 


The Section Hands 


XLV 


CAUTION 

T WO section hands lived in Catnip Corners, and when 
their day^s work was done, they rode back home together 
in their little hand-car while the tracks were clear between 
the local freight and the evening express. 

On the day after Henry Jollipup finished the repainting of 
the guide-posts, Mike, who had a sharp eye and a keen nose, 
saw smoke rising out of the woods. 

He had been over the track so many times that anything 
out of the ordinary always aroused his interest. 

A poor time for a fire, he thought, with all the dry leaves 
blowing. It was probably only some tramp cooking his 
supper, yet—if the blaze should spread, it might be laid to 
sparks from an engine. 

They ought to report this. 

His friend, Tom, said maybe it would be just as well to ask 
Jollipup, first, if he had seen any strangers about while he was 
painting. They would not want to get somebody that meant 
no harm into trouble. 

Not while Spy Katz was sheriff! No, sir. 


[ 194 ] 



THE SECTION HANDS 
















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XLVI 


INVESTIGATION 
Sheriff Spy Katz 


XLVI 


INVESTIGATION 


S HERIFF SPY KATZ had never been very popular in 
Catnip Corners. 

He was not a choice of the voters, but had been appointed 
by Mayor Roundhead because he made such a fine appearance 
as an officer of the law. 

He certainly was an imposing figure in his uniform, and his 
chest seemed made to pin a badge on. 

But since the Annual Outing of the Catnip Factory, when 
he had insisted on sniffing of some extract bottles on the 
Snowball Wagon, he had been criticized for everything, even 
the way he wore his cap on one side of his head. 

The mayor had been known to rebuke him for being over¬ 
anxious to make arrests, and citizens were very careful not to 
let a breath of suspicion against anyone escape in his presence. 

So it was most unfortunate that he should happen to over¬ 
hear a whispered conversation between the section hands and 
Henry Jollipup. 

For he started the next morning to search the woods for the 
mysterious stranger who had vanished at the cross-roads. 
And with Sheriff Spy Katz, capture meant arrest. 


[ 198 ] 



SHERIFF SPY KATZ 









XLVII 

AN ARREST 
Cause for Suspicion 


XL VII 


AN ARREST 


S PY KATZ could not have arrived at the cross-roads at a 
worse moment, for he had not searched far into the 
woods when the stranger blocked his path with each arm 
through a jug handle. 

^^Aha/^ was the sheriff's greeting. ^^Just a supply of pure 
cold water there, of course.’^ 

The suspected party answered politely that his jugs con¬ 
tained nothing stronger than catnip tea, which he had just 
been brewing over his fire. 

And this was the truth. It had not taken the weary traveler 
long to discover that this country was full of stray catnip 
plants, seeds of which had been blown in on the wind from 
Mrs. Bufkins^ factory. 

Instinct told him there would be nothing better for his 
ragged nerves than a soothing herb drink, and, indeed with 
the first swallow, pleasant memories began to revive. 

But listening to explanations was something that Spy Katz 
never did well. 

“Tell your story to the judge, stranger,^’ he thundered. 
“You are under arrest.’^ 

And he marched his prisoner toward the city. 


[ 202 ] 


■A * 



CAUSE FOR SUSPICION 











XLVIII 


THE ARM OF THE LAW 
Against the Signal 


XLVIII 


THE ARM OF THE LAW 


M rs. BUFKINS was driving home to Pussy way Lane 
with her daughter Lily, who had just arrived from 
Hollywood for a visit, when she noticed the crowd that had 
collected around the city jail. 

She persuaded Lily to take a nap, explaining that she must 
return to town for a few errands. 

Something told her that she was needed. 

For the first time since learning to drive, she exceeded the 
speed limit, lost control of her car, and crashed against a stop 
signal, throwing the traffic officer to the ground. 

^^Oh, what have I done!^’ she screamed as she yanked at 
her emergency brake. 

But Number Eleven was Officer Pause, and he arose to his 
feet, unhurt. Brushing off the dust, he said, ^^Madam, I have 
not forgotten your kindness in the past. Proceed, I suspect 
you are in a hurry. 

Mrs. Bufkins smiled in relief and after another wild ride 
reached the court house. 

Forcing her way through the crowd she caught a glimpse of 
the prisoner. 

^^Stop, sheriff,’^ she commanded. ''You have made a. 
terrible mistake!’^ 


[ 206 ] 


AGAINST THE SIGNAL 











XLIX 


NEWS TRAVELS FAST 


Correct Time 


XLIX 


NEWS TRAVELS FAST 


M rs. SPECKLEBACK owned what was truly a ^^grand¬ 
father's clock/^ for the tall heirloom that graced the 
hallway was a legacy from her own grandfather. 

She was fond of asking what better way she could serve his 
memory than to keep his clock wound and oiled so faithfully 
that it never ran down or gained or lost one minute. 

Mr. Jollipup said that he believed exercise was what kept 
that antique in such splendid condition. 

It is a fact that if there was ever any doubt as to the time 
that any event of interest occurred in Catnip Corners, Mrs. 
Speckleback could be trusted to come forward with the 
correct time. 

Even in the middle of the night, at any unfamiliar sound, 
she would arise, light her candle, and ^dook at the clock. 

So on the morning that Spy Katz arrested the stranger, 
half the city soon knew that, at exactly ten o’clock, the 
sheriff had marched a prisoner past the Speckleback home, and, 
at twenty minutes of eleven, Mrs. Bufkins had dashed by, 
driving her own car, making no less than sixty miles an hour! 


[210] 



CORRECT TIME 


‘ *** s 















L 

PROWLER IS NOTIFIED 


Old Friends 


L 


PROWLER IS NOTIFIED 


P ROWLER BUFKINS, at the Catnip Factory, answered 
his desk telephone, hung up, and started to fox-trot 
around the office. 

^Trowler—^what is it? Tell me,^^ begged his twin Purra, 
who had heard just enough of the conversation to arouse her 
curiosity. 

^^Ever remember hearing the old saying—^And the cat 
came backV^ grinned Prowler. ^^Well, brother Archie is 
back—and I am off to break the news to Lily!’^ 

Leaving Purra wide-eyed in excitement. Prowler danced 
away, but rushed, first, to two former buddies of Archingback. 

Jack O^Hare, a gentleman truck farmer, had just come in 
from the fields with his chum, Ayer Dale. 

In a few words they were told how Sheriff Katz had arrested 
a stranger that proved to be no other than poor Archie Stripes, 
who was only trying to find his way home to Catnip Corners. 

The two friends gayly agreed to drive to Pussyway Lane 
with Prowler. 

Jack, in honor of the occasion, slapped on his opera hat 
with such vigor that one ear went through the brim, and the 
trio grew very hilarious. 


[ 214 ] 





OLD FRIENDS. 








LI 

SCHOOL IS DISMISSED 
A Holiday 


LI 


SCHOOL IS DISMISSED 


C ATNIP CORNERS is proud of its school, which is of 
a rustic design, very appealing to the pupils. 

The principal, during this eventful year, was Miss Tabitha 
Speckleback, a daughter of the lady of the clock. 

On the day that Spy Katz made his unfortunate mistake. 
Miss Tabby, as her scholars affectionately called her, was 
about to ring the bell to open the afternoon session, when 
she received a message from her mother through the kindness 
of the Jollipup twins. 

The note advised her of all the details of the exciting morn¬ 
ing with, of course, the exact time at which everything had 
happened. 

Mrs. Speckleback concluded that, as Mrs. Bufkins was one 
of the school board, it would do no harm to give the children 
a half-holiday. 

And Tabby must come directly home, for they were invited 
to the reception in Pussy way Lane in the evening and she, 
herself, had nothing to wear. 

So the school was dismissed with great rejoicing, and Miss 
Tabitha—always obedient, hurried home to help her mother 
properly honor the return of Archingback Stripes. 


[ 218 ] 


A HOLIDAY 









LII 

WAITING FOR THE HERO 


A Reserved Seat 


LII 


WAITING FOR THE HERO 

T he schoolchildren, in irrepressible spirits at the sudden 
release from discipline, scampered gaily to the business 
district, chanting, shrilly, ^^Archingback^s back—^Arching- 
back’s back!” 

The streets were already crowded with residents anxious to 
catch a glimpse of the Catnip Corners hero, reported missing 
in action so long ago, and now returning after a series of 
remarkable adventures. 

As a whole, the crowd was a jolly one, but there were some, 
who, shocked at the noisy antics of the youngsters, frowned 
on them so severely that they retreated toward Pussyway Lane, 
where they felt sure there was no chance of missing Mr. Stripes. 

Angora Fluff disappeared up a tree ahead of several others, 
and cried that she had a reserved seat. 

Up there she amused herself by giving a false alarm every 
little while. She would dilate the pupils of her eyes, and 
declare that she could ^^see him coming!” 

But after she failed to fool her companions, she told them 
that Miss Tabby would be ashamed of the way they were 
acting, and, when Archingback did come in sight, they must 
all stand at attention. 


[ 222 ] 




A RESERVED SEAT 



















LIII 

PREPARATIONS FOR THE HOME-COMING 


His Favorite Jam 


LIII 


PREPARATIONS FOR THE HOME-COMING 

O N the drive to Pussyway Lane, Prowler’s friends had 
helped him think up several nice ways that the news of 
Archingback’s return might be broken to Lily gently. 

But when they arrived at the Bufkins cottage, all their fine 
fancies fled and Prowler burst into the house and cried out 
in a loud voice, ^‘Hello, Lily, Archingback is home! Let’s 
open some jam.” 

Tired out after the trip from Hollywood, Lily had been 
taking a nap, and the great surprise added to Prowler’s crude 
awakening, proved altogether too much for her. 

She fainted away. 

Ayer Dale ran to the garden and picked a sprig of catnip, 
which he waved back and forth under Mrs. Stripes’ nose, 
while she slowly revived, but it took some time to make her 
realize that Mr. Stripes was safe and sound and due home 
at any minute. 

It was always Prowler’s idea to begin a celebration by open¬ 
ing a jar of jam, and he gave Lily no peace until she let him 
assist her to a high shelf in the pantry where special delicacies 
were reserved. 


[ 226 ] 


HIS FAVORITE JAM. 












LIV 


HOME AT LAST 


A Private Citizen 


LIV 


HOME AT LAST 

I N the meantime Archingback Stripes was being transformed 
from a bewildered adventurer into a distinguished private 
citizen. 

Always resourceful, Mrs. Bufkins secured Archie’s release 
at the court house, where she saw that a severe reprimand 
was dealt to the crestfallen Spy Katz. 

Then, tactful and sympathetic, she waited at the haber¬ 
dasher’s while Archie was at the barber’s, and soon her son- 
in-law looked like the gentleman that he was. 

He did not care for the wool headgear that Mrs. Bufkins 
chose for him, but wore it to please her, and set a new style 
for Catnip Corners. His ulster was also copied through all 
the winter season. 

When he finally appeared on the street with Mrs. Bufkins, 
he was surrounded and given such an ovation that they could 
not make their way to the family car, but were forced to take 
a taxi to the daily newspaper office, where they gave out an 
item which included a general invitation to Pussyway Lane 
in the evening. 

At last the hero was on his way home. 


[ 230 ] 



A PRIVATE CITIZEN 















LV 


WITH THE JOLLIPUPS 
A Cheering Cup 


LV 


WITH THE JOLLIPUPS 


A mong dose friends who were very much excited over 
the return of the long missing soldier were Mr. and Mrs. 
Jollipup, who had been present at the Bufkins-Stripes wedding. 

The couple engaged in quite an argument as to whether 
Ruddy and Buddy should be allowed to attend the evening 
festivities, but the twins decided it in favor of their mother, 
by declaring that they were ready for bed. 

Mrs. Speckleback had generously tipped them a quarter for 
delivering the note to Miss Tabitha, and the little boys had 
celebrated until they could not keep their eyes open. 

Mrs. Jollipup, having gained her point, became very sweet, 
and, using the silver service, poured a cup of coffee for Henry, 
who soon admitted that he was sure the children would be 
just as well off at home. 

“For,^^ he explained, ^ht is pretty certain that the punch¬ 
bowl will be safe from Spy Katz tonight.’’ 

^^Wasn’t it lucky that Lily should arrive home to-day,” 
asked Mrs. Jollipup. 

^Tt has all worked out just like a puzzle,” agreed Henry. 


[ 234 ] 


A CHEERING CUP 











LVI 


A PUBLIC RECEPTION 
Musicians for the Evening 


LVI 


A PUBLIC RECEPTION 

T here has never been, and probably never will be, any 
event in Catnip Corners to compare with the public 
reception that was tendered Archingback Stripes on the night 
after his return to Pussyway Lane. 

His wife Lily, proud and happy on his arm, wore her wedding 
dress, which needed no stitch to fit her youthful slenderness. 

Music for the evening was furnished by ^^The Catnip Blos¬ 
som Trio,’’ musicians on stringed instruments from Station 
NIP. 

Mr. Jollipup’s forecast was correct—Sheriff Katz did not 
appear, but everybody was so thrilled at the chance to shake 
hands with a real hero that the punch bowl was sadly neg¬ 
lected. 

Mr. Stripes was eager to talk about the remarkable prog¬ 
ress of Catnip Corners, but so modest about his own adven¬ 
tures that his friends were disappointed. 

It was Mrs. Bufkins’ threat to tell the story of his exploits, 
herself, that finally persuaded Archie to sketch briefly an 
outline of all the wonderful things that had happened to him. 

And he never guessed until he saw the newspapers, that his 
talk had gone on the air. 


[ 238 ] 



MUSICIANS FOR THE EVENING. 








LVII 


HIS EXPERIENCES 
A Flag of Truce 


LVII 


HIS EXPERIENCES 


N ewspapers told Animal Land that the rescued pas¬ 
senger of the ill-fated Aerial Express was the Catnip 
Corners hero. 

The freighter, which lowered the life-boats, had been bound 
for Halifax, where Captain Airkat placed Archingback, sick 
and delirious, in a hospital. 

He eluded his attendants with one sane thought persisting. 
He must get to Catnip Corners. 

And his wanderings had ended at the crossroads. 

Of his army service, he remembered vividly how he and a 
comrade had been hurled into a shell-hole. As consciousness 
returned, they found that a canteen worker had made a 
hazardous trip to bring first aid. 

But attempt to escape from enemy ground seemed hope¬ 
less, so they made a flag of truce from a roll of bandage, and 
were marched to a prison camp. 

From that time, until Archie arrived at the London lodg¬ 
ings of the air pilot, his memory was still dark. 

It was after he tuned-in on Lily’s appeal, before events of 
the past began to arrange themselves in his mind in proper 
order, and another mental upset had followed the air crash. 


[ 242 ] 


A FLAG OF TRUCE 








i 



LVIII 


A SPECIAL HONOR 
Archingback Stripes Post, No. 13 


LVIII 


A SPECIAL HONOR 


A RCHINGBACK stripes had been home only a short 
time, when he received the unusual honor of being asked 
by Mayor Roundhead to review the monthly drill of the 
Home Guard. 

The boys wore their new fatigue uniforms of khaki flannel 
for the first time, and went through the Manual with a smart 
precision that befitted the occasion. 

When Mr. Stripes asked the name of the organization, and 
was told that it was the Archingback Stripes Post, Number 
Thirteen, tears rolled down his cheeks. 

He did not know that Catnip Corners had learned that he 
had been decorated with a Distinguished Service Medal, but 
he had been cited for bravery several times before he was re¬ 
ported missing in action. 

At the request of the mayor, he made a short address to 
the guard which left them very happy, for he declared that 
it was plain to be seen that the city was safe in their protection. 

To close the program, the salute to the flag was given in 
unison, after which the Boy Scouts Band played ^The Star 
Spangled Banner. 


[ 246 ] 


ARCHINGBACK STRIPES POST, NO. 13 








'Ili- 


V 



LIX 

A BRIDE AND GROOM 
Mr. and Mrs. Purritt Long 


LIX 


A BRIDE AND GROOM 


M rs. BUFKINS sat in her easy-chair in front of the fire. 

For once, her knitting-needles were thrust through 
the garment on her lap. 

wonder just how much more in the line of surprises I 
could stand/’ she murmured. 

But when Archingback and Lily, with Purra and Prowler, 
came in from viewing one of Mewsie’s films, she was smiling 
brightly, and as busy as ever. 

^^How does it feel to be the father of a movie star?” she 
asked Archie. 

^^Oh, very thrilling,” replied Mr. Stripes, ^^but I do believe 
that a daughter right here at home in Pussyway Lane would 
be even nicer.” 

While he was speaking, a motor purred softly at the gate, 
and, soon, an impatient blast on the horn sent everybody to 
the door. 

Mrs. Bufkins put on the porch light, then leaned heavily 
against Prowler’s shoulder. 

For in a gayly decorated, white-ribboned car, Mr. and Mrs. 
Purritt Long {nee Mewsie Stripes) had arrived from Holly¬ 
wood on their honeymoon. 

^^And we’re all going to live right here in Catnip Corners, 
forever and ever,” cried the little bride. ^Tor there is no 
place like home.” 


[ 250 ] 


MR. AND MRS. PURRITT LONG, 











LX 


ANIMAL LAND SIGNS OFF 
“Good night, Ladies and Gentlemen” 


LX 


ANIMAL LAND SIGNS OFF 

T WO of the Bassbark brothers, Bill and Charley, had 
returned from a glorious party at the Bufkins cottage, 
to celebrate New Years Eve. 

Though the hour was late, they were such ardent radio fans 
that they were prepared to tune-in, even after they went to 
bed. 

But the air was noisy so they talked a while. 

Bill said that he had never hoped to dance with a real live 
movie star. 

Charley wondered if Purritt Long would be put on the 
pay-roll of the Catnip Factory. He rather fancied that Arch- 
ingback Stripes would go in for politics; he would not be 
surprised if they ran him for mayor. 

^^Why, Mayor Roundhead has done well for the city,’’ 
protested Bill. 

^Dh, yes,” yawned Charley sleepily. ^^But, you know, 
there are always some who like to see a new tail wagging.” 

^^Well, it’s almost the end of the year,” said Charley, ^^and a 
wonderful twelve months it has been for all the folks of 
Animal Land.” 

He imitated Mr. Padfoot’s best tones. ^^We are now sign¬ 
ing off, ladies and gentlemen—a happy New Year from 
Station NIP.” 


[ 254 ] 



GOOD NIGHT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. 














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